Fall 2004/Pasadena
TC530
Johnston
TC530: THEOLOGY AND FILM. Robert K. Johnston.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course will consider one particular aspect of a theology of
culture: theology and film. The course will (1) view and discuss selected
films, (2) provide the student critical skills helpful for film interpretation,
and (3) explore possible theological and biblical approaches to film
criticism.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Preparation for ministry too often assumes students possess skills
in cultural analysis and interaction. This course will help students to see
Western "culture" by providing a critical and theological framework for viewing
cinema. While such cultural engagement is not sufficient for effective
ministry, it is supportive of, if not necessary for, all aspects of
ministry.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Discussion and lecture. The class will meet one evening per week.
One or two films will be assigned prior to each class session along with
supporting reading. During each class, students will typically (1) discuss the
movies, (2) consider aspects of the nature of film and/or theology, (3) use a
selected critical approach to film, and (4) enter into theological criticism
with the film. Occasional outside resource persons will be utilized.
REQUIRED VIEWING AND READING:
- Fifteen films: Crimes and Misdemeanors; Training Day; Signs; Moulin
Rouge; American Beauty; Monster's Ball; Run Lola Run; The Princess and the
Warrior; Magnolia; Punch Drunk Love; Election; About Schmidt; and three
City of Angels Film Festival films.
- The following texts:
- Ecclesiastes.
- Barsotti, Catherine & Robert Johnston. Finding God in the
Movies. Baker, 2004.
- Boorstin, Jon. Making Movies Work. Silman-James Press, 1995.
- Johnston, Robert. Reel Spirituality. Baker, 2000.
- __________. Useless Beauty. Baker, 2004.
- Murphy, R. and E. Huwiler. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs.
NIBC 12. Hendrickson, 1999.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Viewing and journaling on selected movies (10%).
- Quiz on Boorstin, Making Movies Work (10%).
- Three-page critical review and questions on Johnston, Reel
Spirituality (15%).
- Report on ministry project using film (use Finding God in the Movies)
(15%).
- Ten-page paper on a film(s) (approved by the instructor) bringing the
movie(s) into dialogue with Ecclesiastes, whether letting the film shed light
on the biblical text, using the biblical text to critique the movie, or
otherwise engaging in dialogue (50%).
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- M.Div. and M.A. in Theology elective; meets the M.A.C.L. in
Integrative Studies requirement for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.